Book Reviews

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Set in the Jazz Age, The Magnificent Maggie lets you experience the joy and heartache of being a talented musician and vocalist with dreams as big as the sky. Novelist Rod McFain has done his homework. The novel is colorful and entertaining, with historical events woven into its pages. As they journey through life together, Maggie and Elliot are strong, independent characters. Maggie is a bright, strong-willed girl who wants to become a star.

Maggie and C.J. meet another couple on a cruise to Paris, where they become close friends. It is hard to put this book down because it draws you into the characters; the age, the glamor, and later, the elite of Hollywood.

This novel shows there is a price you pay for fame and the demands of Hollywood. It also takes you down a love-filled path of lovers, soulmates, and friends. It is full of new and exciting action with every turn of the page. It’s so good I will read it again. I loved it!

Linda Dawson

A captivating journey through the glamorous yet turbulent Roaring Twenties! ‘The Magnificent Maggie’ beautifully captures the essence of the era with its vibrant characters and rich historical backdrop. A must-read for fans of historical fiction!

Joseph Hernandez

You don’t usually find the main character so flawed and close to reality. Amazingly, the author added a layer of complexity to her character, and the development of both her character and CJ’s is incredible to witness.

Daniel Lee

The Magnificent Maggie delivers compelling storytelling that delves into the complexities of Maggie and C.J.’s lives, highlighting their struggles and hopes in a vivid narrative. The author’s ability to evoke the atmosphere of the stormy harbor or a tense doctor’s visit reflects a keen eye for detail, drawing readers deeper into the story.

Maggie’s passion for music and her grit add layers to her. The introduction of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda Fitzgerald injects a fascinating dynamic into the plot, adding intrigue to the unfolding storyline. The author’s storytelling prowess, smoothly blending historical elements with captivating drama, keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.

Dave France

Initially, I found the book slightly confusing and Maggie’s character as definitive and simple. However, the more I read, the more I realized how intricate her personality is and how it gradually develops throughout the book. Absolutely amazing.

Benjamin Gonzalez

A delightful romp through the Jazz Age with Maggie as your spirited guide! ‘The Magnificent Maggie’ is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by women in the 1920s.

Abigail Taylor

The writer takes one back to a time in the Roaring Twenties that includes Prohibition, flappers, and a time when women didn’t have the right to vote and many other privileges women take for granted today.

Maggie, the main character, is multi-talented, beautiful, uninhibited, and appears to be able to fly into stardom on many levels. She and her husband, CJ, are quite affluent, so they can go wherever they desire, be it Paris, The Riviera, or Italy. It’s fun to see them frolicking with friends Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Picasso, Greta Garbo. Despite all of Maggie’s success, she is troubled and unhappy. It was concerning whether she and CJ could make it together.

The writer’s attention to detail, the food they ate, the clothing they wore made the reader feel like they were in the same room as the characters. Read this book and be prepared to take a delightful journey into a time filled with opportunity and danger!

Teri Rayl Murphy

Maggie’s journey from small-town girl to Jazz Age sensation is a rollercoaster ride of emotions! ‘The Magnificent Maggie’ is a beautifully written novel that explores themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness.

Noah Jones

I couldn’t put ‘The Magnificent Maggie’ down! The protagonist, Maggie, is a fierce and compelling character who defies societal norms with her wit and courage. A delightful read that transports you to the dazzling world of the Jazz Age.

Evelyn Young

Bravo to the author for bringing Maggie O’Sullivan to life in such a vivid and authentic manner! ‘The Magnificent Maggie’ is a triumph of storytelling, weaving together romance, adventure, and social commentary seamlessly.

Grace Scott

Maggie’s journey from small-town girl to Jazz Age icon is both exhilarating and heartbreaking. ‘The Magnificent Maggie’ is a captivating read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Madison Barnes

HARD GOODBYES review in The Western Writers of America magazine Roundup. The review as written by Harlan Hague, best-selling author of THE SUNSET RIM, IF I SHOULD DIE, THE PEOPLE, BUTTERFLY’S CHILD, LEAVING AH-wah-nee, A PLACE FOR MEI LIN, IF I SHOULD LEAVE YOU, and other novels.

I just finished all three books in the trilogy: Hard Goodbyes, Crossing the Crazy Woman, and Pursuit. Rod’s extensive research into the American west and period gives an accurate portrayal of the harshness of life in the rugged terrain. Rod vicariously sent me back in time as I read about the hostile western environment from the comfort of my home. As I neared the end of each book, I deliberately slowed to make the story last a little bit longer. I am going to miss Gray Wehr and Annie. But I am looking forward to Rod’s next book to learn more about living in the 1920s!

Fly By Night

Saturday mornings were wonderful–filled with The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, Wyatt Earp, and Wild Bill Hickok. They were strong heroes who defended the helpless and sent the villains out of town or to Boothill. There were also females in the shows….they were usually victims…innocent (or perhaps naughty), and each knew her realm, either the merchantile or the cafe or, like Miss Kitty, the saloon. Hard Goodbyes gives a fresh perspective. Ally was handed a hard reality in a rugged territory. She probably would have preferred bonnets over bandits or a carriage over cattle. However, she did not shrink from the hard stuff; instead, she stood her ground, handling her horse like Dale Evans and driving cattle. Hard Goodbyes is a new genre in Westerns that shows strong women pushing themselves beyond their limits and saying goodbye without dying inside. It would make a great Saturday morning western!

onthecamimo

I recently met Rod and he proudly shared the trailer for Hard Goodbyes. I was hooked! I started reading it as soon as I got home and struggled to put it down. So vividly written, you are taken on a speeding rollercoaster of loss, love, hope, fear and unrelenting determination to survive against all odds. A fantastically written story that leaves you wanting more. Read this book, you will be very happy you did!

Tanja Ferguson

It was a really good western that made you feel as if you were watching a movie. Took us into the 1800’s! Good book to read, it has everything a western might have. We loved it.

Kathy and Ken Weter

“The Magnificent Maggie” brims with spirited exchanges, showcasing Maggie’s unwavering determination and independence. Despite her father’s disapproval and challenging attitude, Maggie’s fiery resolve to chart her path and defy societal expectations shines through. The story navigates themes of familial tension, personal identity, and celebration, a lively graduation party filled with music, laughter, and illicit revelry. The author paints a vibrant portrait of Maggie’s world through witty dialogue and engaging scenes, inviting readers to root for her self-discovery and defiance against societal constraints. The author crafts compelling characters and weaves an immersive narrative that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.

Anne McAdams